Anyone here from HI - YorkieTalk.com Forums

sandyapk · 02-25-2009, 08:01 PM

My husband was just offered a job in Honolulu. I have heard it is difficult to bring in a dog to the islands. Do you know if it is still difficult. I have vacationed many times to the islands but don't like the idea of quarantine for my yorkie.

karensu68 · 02-25-2009, 08:07 PM

I wish I was from Hawaii!! haha I looked up and found this online, hopefully this will help-

Unless you're crossing national borders, you don't usually need to worry about special restrictions on taking your dog with you. But if you want to take your pet for a tropical vacation, you need to know that Hawaii quarantines all dogs - except guide and service dogs that meet certain requirements - when they enter the state.

The current quarantine period is 120 days, 30 days, or up to five days, depending on what rabies testing is done before the dog arrives in Hawaii.

To qualify for the five-days-or-less quarantine,

the dog must have received at least two rabies vaccinations, not less than three months apart, the most recent one between 90 days and a year before arriving in Hawaii
the dog must have had a microchip identification implanted by a veterinarian, and
a blood sample, identified by the microchip ID number, must have been tested for rabies antibodies 120 days to 18 months before the dog arrives in the state.
There are many detailed rules about what paperwork is required and when fees must be paid. Make sure you get all the information you need well in advance - keep in mind that there's a 120-day waiting period after the blood test - so that the process goes smoothly.

Not only do you have to give up your pet, you have to pay for it: the current cost is $1,080 for 120 days, $655 for 30 days, or $224 for five days or less, payable when the dog arrives in Honolulu. Airlines deliver pets directly to a state holding facility, and the state takes them to the quarantine station on the island of Oahu. Dogs are kept in individual outdoor runs. Owners can visit their dogs during afternoon visiting hours but cannot take the animals out of the kennel.

sandyapk · 02-25-2009, 08:25 PM

wow thanks karensue. I appreciate all the information. I will have to read everything carefully. Mia is barely a year old, and has not had 2 rabies shots. I don't think she is due for her second one for another 3 months. May be a problem!! Not exactly sure if I want to live in Hawaii. Beautiful to vacation there just maybe not the best fit? Anyway thanks so much for your help,

Never drive in Hawaii!! Get a cab!!

PennysMum · 03-02-2009, 05:55 PM

I grew up in Hawaii. It's a wonderful place to live!

When my family moved there many years ago, it was a mandatory 120-day quarantine for all animals, which was really terrible. Our elderly dog almost died during the process, and had to finish up her quarantine at a veterinary hospital which wound up being very pricey for us. I don't know if the facilities have changed since the 1990's, but back then the dogs were basically in outdoor runs with concrete floors with a small covered area in a very hot, dry area. It was horrible for our golden... I think that even a five day stay in those conditions would have been hard on her, but 120 days really hurt her and she was never the same afterwards.

I wonder if with a tiny little dog you might be able to ask that she be quarantined the five days at a vet office? You could come up with some reason like potential hypoglycemia even if it isn't something you really see in her a lot...

sandyapk · 03-02-2009, 07:11 PM

When my family moved there many years ago, it was a mandatory 120-day quarantine for all animals, which was really terrible. Our elderly dog almost died during the process, and had to finish up her quarantine at a veterinary hospital which wound up being very pricey for us. I don't know if the facilities have changed since the 1990's, but back then the dogs were basically in outdoor runs with concrete floors with a small covered area in a very hot, dry area. It was horrible for our golden... I think that even a five day stay in those conditions would have been hard on her, but 120 days really hurt her and she was never the same afterwards.

I wonder if with a tiny little dog you might be able to ask that she be quarantined the five days at a vet office? You could come up with some reason like potential hypoglycemia even if it isn't something you really see in her a lot...
__________________
Thanks so much for your reply. I am having serious second thoughts.
You are the second person that has a horrible story of how hard it is to quarantine their dog.
The previous person I spoke with said their dog got sick from the chemicals they used to clean the kennels and died shortly after being released.
I have had some dealings with Hawaiian authorities when I was involved in a traffic accident in Oahu. I got my license suspended and it took weeks to get it resolved. It was all because my insurance carrier was not a hawaiian carrier. You would of thought I had a DUI the way they treated me.
If the department that handles the dogs is as unreasonably bureaucratic as the dmv was my little Mia has no hope of not being quarantined 3 months.

PennysMum · 03-03-2009, 06:43 PM

I'm honestly not sure what it is like more recently. According to friends who still live there, a lot has been "cleaned up" in the government in the last few years, though I don't know if that applies to the department that oversees quarantine-- and at least they have the five day option available now if you do some legwork before hand. It may be a lot better than it was back when I moved there in the early 90s.

I'd really hate to dissuade you from moving there. It's actually a very nice place to be-- I can't think of a better place to have grown up, and I loved every moment of my childhood there! In fact, the only really negative memory that I have of my entire experience in Hawaii was what the poor dog went through to get there.

rocky raccoon · 03-13-2009, 09:58 PM

I just transferred here. The quarantine is still 120 days, but, you can serve your time on the mainland instead of the US Ag facility near the airport. I put my dog in Yorkie camp in Portland. the breeder there was familiar with the process and got the blood tests of to the U of KA got the vet cert and Rocky is serving his time as I type this. I had time to get settled into a home after a month in a hotel. But now I'm only 2 months into the 4 and it's killing me not to have him here. I'm very fortunate to have found a breeder to do the board for me because I received 11 days notice on the transfer. If you ahve to start the process now even if your not sure the move will go through. The clock starts ticking the day the blood is received at the U of KA vet facility. you can get the million page instructions and forms on the dept of ag HI web site.

Good luck, I love it here and the enonomy is not like on the mainland.

sandyapk · 03-15-2009, 06:43 PM

I am making an appointment with my vet this week. See if he knows what to do. I really won't allow her to be in an outdoor kennel for that long. If I can do these tests from the mainland, then I will consider going.

How do you think the economy is different on the island? Tourists? Would love to hear your opinions on this.

Where did you find a place to live. We were thinking about going to the west side of the island. I am not sure how to spell it Kaneohe or Laniki. would love to get something within walking distance to the beach.

My hubbie will be working near the airport.

rocky raccoon · 03-17-2009, 09:21 PM

Sandy,
Without knowing where you are living now I can't make a comparison. BUT if you have lived and worked in San Fransisco, the cost is about the same traffic is the same. BUT, you are on an island here so, you will give up the plethra of variety of shops and venues. I settled on the west end in Kapolei because for price per sq/ft was about 65% of the more exclusive Windward side and the communities are newer and more spread out. Traffic is like SF also, I commute 16 miles to the Airport area, which is the business district on H1 each day, it's a hour each way. If you leave the house at 5AM you can make it in 1/2 that time.

You have to change your mind about a few things. TAKE IT EASY traffic is not a thing if you relax in your car, and put the top down. Most companies, like mine adjust your salary requirements for the cost of living. I live comfortably. Learn to give up your mainand brand names, I shop for Japanese products and food staples and eat well and am more in shape already. Once you have your local ID you will get into attractions much cheaper.

If you smile and are courtous, you will be fine. If you exhibit pushy type A bossy attitude you will be treated unkindly as one should expect.

I love it here. Just miss the Rock Star Rocky

I've been looking for a breeder here so I can give him a little brother, so far no luck. Anyone out there know of one?

sandyapk · 03-21-2009, 08:49 PM

Thank you for your post.

It is such a sound piece of advice. I really am not sure if I can go through the whole ordeal.

I know how to live in a new place. I found the Hawaiian people to be friendly and helpful when I was there last. Common courtesy can go a long way!!
I did not know the drive would be so long in the morning.

We have lots to consider. Again, thanks.

02-25-2009, 08:01 PM	#1
sandyapk Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: at home Posts: 515	Anyone here from HI My husband was just offered a job in Honolulu. I have heard it is difficult to bring in a dog to the islands. Do you know if it is still difficult. I have vacationed many times to the islands but don't like the idea of quarantine for my yorkie.

02-25-2009, 08:07 PM	#2
karensu68 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 409	I wish I was from Hawaii!! haha I looked up and found this online, hopefully this will help- Unless you're crossing national borders, you don't usually need to worry about special restrictions on taking your dog with you. But if you want to take your pet for a tropical vacation, you need to know that Hawaii quarantines all dogs - except guide and service dogs that meet certain requirements - when they enter the state. The current quarantine period is 120 days, 30 days, or up to five days, depending on what rabies testing is done before the dog arrives in Hawaii. To qualify for the five-days-or-less quarantine, the dog must have received at least two rabies vaccinations, not less than three months apart, the most recent one between 90 days and a year before arriving in Hawaii the dog must have had a microchip identification implanted by a veterinarian, and a blood sample, identified by the microchip ID number, must have been tested for rabies antibodies 120 days to 18 months before the dog arrives in the state. There are many detailed rules about what paperwork is required and when fees must be paid. Make sure you get all the information you need well in advance - keep in mind that there's a 120-day waiting period after the blood test - so that the process goes smoothly. Not only do you have to give up your pet, you have to pay for it: the current cost is $1,080 for 120 days, $655 for 30 days, or $224 for five days or less, payable when the dog arrives in Honolulu. Airlines deliver pets directly to a state holding facility, and the state takes them to the quarantine station on the island of Oahu. Dogs are kept in individual outdoor runs. Owners can visit their dogs during afternoon visiting hours but cannot take the animals out of the kennel. __________________ ~Family and Friends are always welcome-Fleas are not!~ Miss Mazee's Mom

03-02-2009, 05:55 PM	#4
PennysMum Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Redmond, Washington Posts: 427	I grew up in Hawaii. It's a wonderful place to live! When my family moved there many years ago, it was a mandatory 120-day quarantine for all animals, which was really terrible. Our elderly dog almost died during the process, and had to finish up her quarantine at a veterinary hospital which wound up being very pricey for us. I don't know if the facilities have changed since the 1990's, but back then the dogs were basically in outdoor runs with concrete floors with a small covered area in a very hot, dry area. It was horrible for our golden... I think that even a five day stay in those conditions would have been hard on her, but 120 days really hurt her and she was never the same afterwards. I wonder if with a tiny little dog you might be able to ask that she be quarantined the five days at a vet office? You could come up with some reason like potential hypoglycemia even if it isn't something you really see in her a lot... __________________ Penny: Bane of Moles! Terror Among Terriers! Really Gosh Darn Cute! Penny @ Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/583831 Last edited by PennysMum; 03-02-2009 at 05:58 PM.

03-03-2009, 06:43 PM	#6
PennysMum Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Redmond, Washington Posts: 427	I'm honestly not sure what it is like more recently. According to friends who still live there, a lot has been "cleaned up" in the government in the last few years, though I don't know if that applies to the department that oversees quarantine-- and at least they have the five day option available now if you do some legwork before hand. It may be a lot better than it was back when I moved there in the early 90s. I'd really hate to dissuade you from moving there. It's actually a very nice place to be-- I can't think of a better place to have grown up, and I loved every moment of my childhood there! In fact, the only really negative memory that I have of my entire experience in Hawaii was what the poor dog went through to get there. __________________ Penny: Bane of Moles! Terror Among Terriers! Really Gosh Darn Cute! Penny @ Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/583831

03-13-2009, 09:58 PM	#7
rocky raccoon Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 70	I just relocated to Hawaii the 120 still holds I just transferred here. The quarantine is still 120 days, but, you can serve your time on the mainland instead of the US Ag facility near the airport. I put my dog in Yorkie camp in Portland. the breeder there was familiar with the process and got the blood tests of to the U of KA got the vet cert and Rocky is serving his time as I type this. I had time to get settled into a home after a month in a hotel. But now I'm only 2 months into the 4 and it's killing me not to have him here. I'm very fortunate to have found a breeder to do the board for me because I received 11 days notice on the transfer. If you ahve to start the process now even if your not sure the move will go through. The clock starts ticking the day the blood is received at the U of KA vet facility. you can get the million page instructions and forms on the dept of ag HI web site. Good luck, I love it here and the enonomy is not like on the mainland. __________________ Every day is a good day when it's a doggie day

02-25-2009, 08:25 PM	#3
sandyapk Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: at home Posts: 515	wow thanks karensue. I appreciate all the information. I will have to read everything carefully. Mia is barely a year old, and has not had 2 rabies shots. I don't think she is due for her second one for another 3 months. May be a problem!! Not exactly sure if I want to live in Hawaii. Beautiful to vacation there just maybe not the best fit? Anyway thanks so much for your help, Never drive in Hawaii!! Get a cab!!

03-02-2009, 07:11 PM	#5
sandyapk Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: at home Posts: 515	When my family moved there many years ago, it was a mandatory 120-day quarantine for all animals, which was really terrible. Our elderly dog almost died during the process, and had to finish up her quarantine at a veterinary hospital which wound up being very pricey for us. I don't know if the facilities have changed since the 1990's, but back then the dogs were basically in outdoor runs with concrete floors with a small covered area in a very hot, dry area. It was horrible for our golden... I think that even a five day stay in those conditions would have been hard on her, but 120 days really hurt her and she was never the same afterwards. I wonder if with a tiny little dog you might be able to ask that she be quarantined the five days at a vet office? You could come up with some reason like potential hypoglycemia even if it isn't something you really see in her a lot... __________________ Thanks so much for your reply. I am having serious second thoughts. You are the second person that has a horrible story of how hard it is to quarantine their dog. The previous person I spoke with said their dog got sick from the chemicals they used to clean the kennels and died shortly after being released. I have had some dealings with Hawaiian authorities when I was involved in a traffic accident in Oahu. I got my license suspended and it took weeks to get it resolved. It was all because my insurance carrier was not a hawaiian carrier. You would of thought I had a DUI the way they treated me. If the department that handles the dogs is as unreasonably bureaucratic as the dmv was my little Mia has no hope of not being quarantined 3 months.

03-15-2009, 06:43 PM	#8
sandyapk Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: at home Posts: 515	Thank you I am making an appointment with my vet this week. See if he knows what to do. I really won't allow her to be in an outdoor kennel for that long. If I can do these tests from the mainland, then I will consider going. How do you think the economy is different on the island? Tourists? Would love to hear your opinions on this. Where did you find a place to live. We were thinking about going to the west side of the island. I am not sure how to spell it Kaneohe or Laniki. would love to get something within walking distance to the beach. My hubbie will be working near the airport.

03-17-2009, 09:21 PM	#9
rocky raccoon Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 70	Oahu living Sandy, Without knowing where you are living now I can't make a comparison. BUT if you have lived and worked in San Fransisco, the cost is about the same traffic is the same. BUT, you are on an island here so, you will give up the plethra of variety of shops and venues. I settled on the west end in Kapolei because for price per sq/ft was about 65% of the more exclusive Windward side and the communities are newer and more spread out. Traffic is like SF also, I commute 16 miles to the Airport area, which is the business district on H1 each day, it's a hour each way. If you leave the house at 5AM you can make it in 1/2 that time. You have to change your mind about a few things. TAKE IT EASY traffic is not a thing if you relax in your car, and put the top down. Most companies, like mine adjust your salary requirements for the cost of living. I live comfortably. Learn to give up your mainand brand names, I shop for Japanese products and food staples and eat well and am more in shape already. Once you have your local ID you will get into attractions much cheaper. If you smile and are courtous, you will be fine. If you exhibit pushy type A bossy attitude you will be treated unkindly as one should expect. I love it here. Just miss the Rock Star Rocky I've been looking for a breeder here so I can give him a little brother, so far no luck. Anyone out there know of one? __________________ Every day is a good day when it's a doggie day

03-21-2009, 08:49 PM	#10
sandyapk Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: at home Posts: 515	Thank you for your post. It is such a sound piece of advice. I really am not sure if I can go through the whole ordeal. I know how to live in a new place. I found the Hawaiian people to be friendly and helpful when I was there last. Common courtesy can go a long way!! I did not know the drive would be so long in the morning. We have lots to consider. Again, thanks.